IMSUSCOT1,
I think it's a good question. Before I found out I could order pain medications online, I felt "blessed" when my PCP would prescribe #20 Lortab 5's every 5-6 months for my DDD of the spine, (bulging cervical discs, osteophytes, spondylosis) ,revealed plain as day on a MRI. Constant neck and right arm pain that, fortunately, only really started 1 year ago. He did give me Ultram in between.
In answer to your question, I guess I would have to consider surgery. I am a nurse (aren't you one also?) and I dread the thought of surgery. I would make a terrible patient! But I guess that would be one option. I have seen one neurosurgeon then he retired 2 months ago. And if I did get up enough nerve to have surgery, I would have to take off work for many weeks...that's scary too.
Any thoughts? soulchik